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2 Sheets-Sheet L J PgGoRDoN.

Grain Binder. No.. 229,693. n Patented July 6,1880..

N-FETERS. PHOTO-LITHDGRPHER. WASHINGTGN. D. CV

2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. I'. GORDON. Gram Bmder No. 229,693. Patented July 6, 1880.

Mn/eww:

N.PETERS, PHOT-UT'HOGRAPMER, WASHINGTD UNITED STATES PATENT OEETCE.

JAMES F. GORDON, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.

GRAIN-BINDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 229,693, dated July 6, 1880.

Application led December 20, 1878.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that l, JAMES F. GORDON, of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain Improvements in Automatic Grain-Binders, of which the following is a specication.

The rst part of my invention is designed more particularly for use in that class of machines in which a movable binder-arm enters a moving stream or mass of grain and separates therefrom a quantity sufficient to form a bundle; and it consists in a divider located in the path of the grain and arranged to pass up through the same at suitable intervals to hold back the stream while the binder-arm is separating the bundle therefrom, and in the particular construction and arrangement of' the same.

The second part of the invention consists in a peculiar construction of the devices for operating the twister, the clampingjaws which hold the wire, and the binder-arm.

The third part of the invention consists in so arrangin gthe two jaws which clamp and hold the wire above and below the twister that one may approach the other, in order to relieve the wire from excessive strain at the instant thatthe upper jaw clamps and bends the same.

The fourth part of the invention consists in using, in connection with the twister, a clearer, which is fixed and arranged to serve the additional purpose of bending the ends of the wire backward beneath the upper twister-hooks, in order that it may hold them the more rmly during the twisting operation.

The drawings represent the improvements applied to the well-known Gordon binder; but some or all of them are applicable to other forms of machine, also.

Figure l represents a perspective view of the binding-machine; Fig. 2, a sectional elevation of the same on the line w x, the binder-arm being swung outward; Fig. 3, a sectional view looking downward from the line y y, Fig. 2; Fig. 4, a view looking upward from the line y y Fig. 5, a perspective view, showing the twister and clamping-jaws; Figs. 6 and 7, respectively a side and a plan view, showing the clearer and its relation to the twister.

In its general construction and mode of operation the machine shown is similar to those represented in Patents No. 169,258 and No. 198,104, and other patents hitherto granted to me.

A represents the platform, receiver, or binding-table, upon which the grain is delivered by means of any suitable elevating or conveying mechanism.

B represents the binder-arm, having a vertical vibration and also a horizontal oscillation abouta vertical axis at the rearend of the graintable. The arm is sustained on a horizontal axis on an upright post or hub, G, which is provided with a horizontal arm, D, extending beneath the table, and carrying on its end the twisting devices which vibrate or oscillate horizontally in unison with the binder-arm.

The arrangement of parts is such that the arm B swings forward above and the twisting devices forward below the loose grain, and that the arm then descends and carries the wire around the grain into the twister, after which the parts move back together with the bundle.

In practice great difficulty is experienced in eiecting a clean and perfect separation between the bundle'and the loose grain left behind,and it is to this end that the first feature of my invention is directed.

At the inner side of the grain-table, where the grain is received, it is provided with an upright side or board, E, and with two upright brackets or abutments, F, between which the end ofthe binder-arm descends, the brackets being designed to support the grain at the middle while being encircled with wire, and to prevent the binder-arm from forcing the grain down into the twisting devices.

At the side of one of the brackets, at the point where the binder-arm descends, I mount an upright sliding finger or rod, G, arranged to play at its upper end through a fixed guide or eye, H, on theside of the bracket, and connected at its lower end to a cranked arm or shaft, I, by means of which it may he drawn downward flush with the top of the brackets or thrust upward above the brackets, as shown in Fig. l, so as to intercept and divide the stream of grain and hold back the loose portion while the bundle is being carried away by the binder-arm.

The arm I has its shaft or body mounted in IOO abox or bearing on the grain-table and its rear end extended down through a slot in the grain-table and through a hole in the end of aslidiug bar, J, which latter is mounted in guides 0n the grain-table and turned down at its outer end through a slot therein, as represented in Fig. 1.

As the twister-carrying arm D swings outward with the binder-arm to deliver the bound bundle the arm I) strikes the outer end ofthe bar J, and, sliding it outward, causes its inner end to lower the dividing-linger I; but as the arm D completes its inward movement during or immediately previous to the descent of the binder-arm, said arm l) strikes against the lower end of the shaft or arm I and causes it to thrust the tinger upward, at the same time drawing the bar K inward to its original position.

The dividing-linger will ordinarily be maintained in its elevated position by its friction against the guide, caused by the pressure of the grain behind it; but any suitable clamping or locking device to be released hy the uction of the binder-arm or arm D may be employed.

The eye or opening through which the dividing-tinger plays is made ot' a tiaring orconical shape, to permit the free movement ofthe linger under the swinging action ot' the operating-arm, and, in order that the position of the linger may be changed as to its inclination in order that it may be set in line with the path ot' the binder-arm, the guide H is slotted and secured by bolts or screws, so that it may be adjusted endwise.

While it is preferred to construct, mount, and operate the dividing-finger in the manner represented, it maybe moditied in form, located on other supports, or operated by other devices.

The arrangement shown has the advantages of being cheap, simple, and positive in action, and of effecting a clean division and separation of the grain.

Referring next to the mechanism which vibrates the binder-arm and twister-carrying arm, it will be seen, on reference to Figs. 1 and 2, to consist merely of ahorizontal wheel, K, provided with a crank-pin, L, on which there is mounted one end of an arm or pitman, M, which latter is slotted or grooved at the middle to receive a depending stud, N, on the arm D, and connected at its rear end by a horizontal pivot to the rear end of the binderarm.

The rotation ofthe crank-pin imparts tothe pitman M an end motion, which causes the binder-arm to rise and fall, and also a lateral motion, which, through the connection to the binder-arm as well as through the action on the stud N, causes both the binder-arm and the arm D to swing laterally.

By making the connecting-joint between the pitmanandthebinder-armofsufticientstrength the lateral movement of the parts may be secured without the use of the stud. It is preferred, however, to use the stud, and in order to entirely relieve the joint from lateral strain a second stud may be extended down from the arm D into the slot of the pitman, if desired.

In order to reduce the friction and secure a close action of the parts the crank-pin is provided with a bearing block or sleeve, which is journaled in the end ofthe pitmau, as shown.

The manner in which the twister and wireclamping jaws are actuated will be readily comprehended on reference to Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5, in which R represents the twister, located between the upper clamping-jaw, S, and the lower clamping-jaw, T, in substantially the same manner as in my previous patents.

The twister has its shaft or spindle provided with a pinion actuated,as usual, by a reciprocating rack-bar, U; but this bar, instead ot' being operated as usual, has its rear end slotted and provided with two studs or rollers, e, and arranged, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, t0 slide on the crank-pin L, to which there is firmly secured a cani or eccentric, V, of the form shown in Fig. 3. This cam acts against the rollers on the rack-bar, and as it is carried around by the rotation of the crank-pin it imparts to the rack-bar the proper reciprocating motions, which may, of course, be varied as to time and extent by modifying the cam in form.

The lower clampingjaw, T, is closed, as shown in Fig. 4, by means of a spiral spring, f, arranged to slide the jaw forward; but it is opened by being connected with a lever, g, which is connected by a link or rod, h, to a second lever, 1', which is provided with a stud or roller, k, arranged to be acted upon by a stud or roller on the upper side of the cam or eccentric V.

The upperjaw, S,which basa swinging movement, is connected by a rod, m, to an elbowlever. n, which is pivoted to the under side of the arm l) and provided with a stud or arm seated in a curved or irregular groove, o, in a sliding plate, p, which latter is mounted in guides on the under side of arm D and provided with stnds r at its ends, to be acted on by the crank-pin L, as clearly represented in Figs. 2 and 3. During the rotation of the crank-pin it encounters the two studs r alternately, and thereby moves the plates p endwise to and fro; and as the plate is moved its groove or slot o actuates the lever n and causes the same, through the connecting-rod, to open and close the jaw.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the twister and both jaws or wireholders are actuated by devices which do not depend upon the binder-arm or the twistercarrying arm for their action, the vibration of the twister-arm having no ei'ect whatever upon the operative movements of the parts named. This organization of the mechanism operating the devices for holding, twisting, and cutting the wire is advantageous in that it permits all the parts, and particularly the twister-carrying arm, to be made lighter than ...t illuminatiww w.

heretofore, since the strain of operating all the devices named is applied lengthwise of the carrying-arm instead of transversely thereto, as in my prior machines, the new arrangement effectually relieving the whole binding mechanism from the jar and the wrenching or twisting strain which was caused by the operating studs or rollers of the parts thereon being carried sidewise against stationary cams and stops by the vibration of the arm.

Passing next to the arrangement of the two jaws so that one may approach the other, reference is made to Fig. 5.

In machines containing two clamping or wireholding jaws, one above the other, on opposite sides of the twister, the upper jaw engages while the wire is heldlby the lowerjaw and is 'under severe strain; and as the upper jaw bends or kinks the strained wire, there is danger of the latter being accidentally broken or weakened, so that it is liable to break when subjected to the strain caused by the expansion of the bundle when the wire is released from the jaw.

To overcome this difficulty I arrange the lower jaw so that it can yield, approach the upperjaw, and slacken the wire as the upper jaw produces the bend therein. The socket or eye into which the lower jaw slides is widened vertically, so that the jaw can rise while hold ing the wire, and on the upper side of thejaw there is an incline or shoulder, t, upon which the upper jaw bears when opened, so as to hold the lower jaw down. When, however, the upper jaw closes upon the wire, it rides ot'f from over the incline and the lower jaw rises and slackens the wire sufficiently to compensate for the shorteningcaused by the bend or kink. In this way the breakage or weakening of the wire is eft'ectually prevented.

The construction and arrangement of the parts may be modied as desired, provided one jaw is permitted to approach the other, the invention consisting, broadly, in such construction regardless of the peculiar form or arrangement of the details.

Instead of having the lower jaw slide upward within the eye or socket, the latter may be arranged to slide upward with the jaw, and, instead of depressing the lower jaw by means of the upper one, any other means may be employed for that purpose.

The next feature of the invention consists in the arrangement of the clearer-plate, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

In patents heretofore granted to me I represented a plate or clearer-arm arranged to project into a circumferential groove in the twister below its upper and lower arms or hooks, for the purpose of removing during the backward rotation of the twister the straw, Ste., wound thereon during its forward rotation,'the clearer being held in place by a spring, which permitted the wires to pass under it during the twisting operation.

In the present machine I arrange the clearerarm or plate X rigidly in place, with one end embracing the central portion of the twister or its spindle, and with a small space, w, between its upper face and the under face of the upper hooks or arms of the twister, as shown.

The front edge or side of the clearer is preferably rounded on the upper side, as shown in the drawings.

The lower part of the twister, below the clearer, will be provided, as usual, with a cutting-shoulder, a', to sever the wire against a fixed blade, b', or other cutting devices of a different character employed, if preferred.

As the twister turns forward, its upper hooks or arms seize the wire and carry it forward over the clearer, which bends the wire back ward at a right angle beneath and against the under surface of the upper twister-arms, so that when the wire is severed, as it is immediately after, the ends are prevented from drawing out ot the twister. This bending of the wire, and particularly when in advance of its being severed, is an important feature, as it forms a perfect security against the loss of the wire, and thereby renders the twisting and fastening of the wire a matter of certainty.

Referring again to the devices for operating the clamping-jaws, it may be necessary or eX- pedient to lock the sliding plate p fast at each end of its movement, for which purpose I propose to use a spring-pawl at either end ofthe plate to engage with catches or studs on the carrying-arm, or catches on the arm to engage with the plate, the catch or catches in either case to be disengaged at the proper times by the crank-pin. It may also be found desirable to connect the sliding plate to the crank-pin by a pitman instead of operating it in the manner shown. It' desired, the sliding plate may be provided with cams or switches and tracks to actuate both the jaws or clamp through intermediate connections.

I do not claim, broadly, in a binder, a vertically-movable clamp, as I am aware that a yielding spring-jaw has been usedin cord-binders to hold the end of the cord while winding on the tyer-head.

Having described my invention, what I claim is 1. In combination with the grain-table A and brackets F of a grain-binding machine, a vertically-sliding dividing-finger arranged at the side of the bracket to enter the grain and hold back the loose portion while the bundle is being separated therefrom.

2. In a grain-binding machine, the combination of a binding-table, upright brackets F, over which the grain is delivered to the table and against which it is compressed, and an upwardly-moving dividing-nger located at the top of said brackets, as shown and described.

3. The combination of a grain table or receiver, a binderarm arranged to descend through the loose grain and move back with the bundle therefrom, and a dividing-linger located permanently at the receiving side of the table, and arranged to ascend through the IOO IIO

IIS

loose grain from below in the same path with the hinder-arm.

4. In a grain-bimling machine, a grain-dii viding tnger and a movable twister-carrying arm combined therewith, substantially as dcscribed and shown, whereby the divider is thrust through the grain as the arm and twister advance and retracted as they recede.

5. The combination ot' the divider-arln G, movable bar or plate J, arm I, and movable arm D.

6. The combination ofthe guide II. thearm I, and the sliding divider (l, pivoted to arm I and passed through the guide, as shown, whereby the pressure ot' the grain is caused to retain the divider in its elevated position.

7. A dividing-linger arranged to ascend through the grain from below, in combination with a laterally-adjustable guide or support therefor and operating mechanism whereby the position ofthe divider may be changed.

8. Tile combination ot' the vibrating arm l), having the rigid depending stud N, the binder-arm B, the crank-pin L, and the lslotted pit man arranged to embrace stud N, and con nected to the crank-pin and binder'arm, as shown.

9. In combination with the crank-pin, ar ranged to cause the vibration of the binding mechanism, the cam or eccentric V, attached thereto, and the twister-operating rack-bar U, arranged to be operated by the cam, whereby motion is transmitted from the crank-pill to the twister.

10. The combination of the jaw T, lever g, rod h, lever i, and crank-pin L, arranged to operate upon lever i.

11. In combination with crank-pin L and jaw S, the sliding plate p, with slot o, elbowlever n, and rod m.

12. In combination with the swinging arm D,the twister-head and clamping-jaws mounted thereon, the single crank-pin, and intermediate devices arranged to transmit motion from the crank-pin to the twister and jaws, substantially as shown.

13. In a machine for binding grain with wire, the combination of an upper clampingjaw, which indents and shortens the wire, with a lower clamping-jaw adapted to yield and approach the upper jaw during the closing action of the latter.

14. The combination ot' an upper wire clamping` and indenting jaw with a lower clamping-jaw capable of vertical movement, and means for holdingr said viaws positively apart until the upper jaw commences to close, and

then permitting the lower jaw to approachthe other.

l5. In a grain-binder, the combination of the lower wire-clamping jaw having the inclined shoulder aml the upper wire-clamp in gr jaw, arranged to act upon said shoulder and permit an upward movement of the lower jaw and wire as the upperjaw takes hold.

16. The combination of' the twister and the tixed clearer-arm, arranged to bend the ends ot' the wire backward beneath the twisting hooks or blades.

17. In a grain-binder having a movable 'twisting mechanism, the combination of a wire cutter and holders, all moving bodily with the twister, and a revolving crank-pin or cam mounted on the'station'ary binder frame or support, and intermediate connections, whereby they are operated independently of the shifting movement of the twister-head, substantially as shown.

JAMES F. GORDON.

Witnesses:

GEo. B. SELDEN, F. B. HUTCHINsoN. 

